1. Travelling By Bea Meitiner

2. Maintenance of the Horse Box Tax and Insurance Plan ahead – don’t want to interrupt competitions. Test Annually Breakdown cover

3. Fittings Floors Non Slip – Rubber Well Secured Partitions Offer protection from treading on each other Some use it for support Headboards Prevent horse making contact – prevent fights Tie Rings Quick release rubber covered chain. Windows Ventilation Ramp Strong, non slip and user friendly. Lockers Secure Rug racks Internal Lights Water tanks Keep fresh water in Drain during winter

4. Trailers Common with one horse owners Safety: Check towing equipment regularly Towing hitch in excellent condition. Towing vehicle muct match in height and size. Check electrical fittings before each journey Jockey wheel in good working order Tyres should be checked regularly Doors should open easily. Correct number plate.

5. Preparation of Horsebox for Travelling Vehicle mechanically in good working order Check oil and water Sufficient diesel to get to nearest service station. All fittings in good working order Partitions fitted for number and size of horses. Water tanks freshly filled. Haynets filled. Put down bedding – encourage horse to stale. In long journey might be necessary to feed.

6. Space requirements stated by DEFRA Adult Horses 0.7 x 2.5m Young Horses (6 to 24 months) (Journey up to 48 hours) 0.6 x 2.0m Young Horses (6 to 24 months) (Journey over 49 hours) 1.2 x 2.0m Ponies (under 144cm) 0.6 x 1.8m Foals (0 to 6 months) 1.0 x 1.4m

7. Preparation for Bad Travellers Important to know your own horse. Partition may need extra padding. Try travelling horse in different part of lorry May not be able to be left unattended. Quick release knot. Give haynet to try and settle him but careful there isn’t any chance of him getting caught up in it.

8. Preparation for Horses Headcollar Leather – breaks easier. Rope Quick release clip Strong and in good condition. Suitable length Poll Guard Optional, but recommended for large horses, or those that are head shy.

9. Preparation for Horses Rugs Horses change temperature frequently when travelling so it might be necessary to change rugs throughout the journey. Sweat Net: Used in very hot weather. Cooler: Will also keep the horse warm. Summer sheet: Suitable for horses that don’t sweat. Day Rug: Clipped horses or in cold weather. If the horse tends to sweat a cooler can be warn underneath.

10. Preparation for Horses Surcingle Elastic Rollers Cross Surcingle Tail Bandage Care must be taken not to apply too tight For long journeys use a tail guard instead. Leg Protections Bandages – must be applied properly Knee/ Hock Boots – used on bad travellers Leg Wraps – quick and easy. Over-reach boots

11. Health Stress Greater risk of infection Digestive problems Diarrhoea – dehydration Colic Dehydration Horses reluctant to drink Give electrolytes. Sick Horses Best to avoid travelling sick horses as it will make matters worse. Weight Many horses loose weight during long journeys

12. Preparation for Loading All preparations must be done prior to loading. Difficult loaders may need to wear more than a headcollar. Horsebox must be parked in safe place. Try and park on a downhill slope. Avoid slippery surfaces. Avoid loading in busy areas. Always allow sufficient time for loading. Open partitions as wide as possible. If difficult loader, enclose the entry to the horsebox as much as possible.

13. Loading Lead from the shoulder. Make a wide approach to the ramp. Good positive walk. Walk up the ramp beside the horse. If travelling sideways, pull his head towards you and touch his girth area. Once in correct place, tie him up and close partition quickly. Always use quick release knot. If the horse is not experience, it is advisable to have a assistant. Once all have been loaded, one last check and shut ramp PROPERLY.

14. Unloading Park in safe place. Allow plenty of room so not to have to turn horse to sharply after unloading. Let ramp down. Open partition. Untie horse and lead down the ramp staying at his shoulder. Never rush a horse. Never stand in front of him. Try and stay with the horse if he rushes.

15. Care During Travelling Short Journeys Most horse travel well Advisable to have an assistant Bad traveller must be checked regularly. Not always necessary to feed haylage

16. Care During Travelling Main problems during travelling which produce stress:

17. Avoiding Stress during long journeys Temperature in the lorry Don’t close ventilation if too cold – rug up! Temperature of Horse Horses may change temperature regularly due to stress – check regularly and rug up accordingly. Drinking May be reluctant to drink – offer every two hours Try flavouring it – brown sugar Give electrolytes Eating Haylage better than hay. If necessary to feed concentrates keep starch intake low.

18. Conclusion Most horses have to travel nowadays, specially competition horses. It is very important to take great care during travelling, so that it has the minimum effect on the horses performance and health.

19. References Auty, I. (1998) The BHS Complete Manual of Stable Management. Kenilworth Press Ltd, Buckingham, UK. Auty. I (2002) The BHS Training Manual for Stage 3 and PTT. Kenilworth Press Ltd, Buckingham, UK. Pocklington, A. (2004) The Essential Guide to Professional Horse Care. J.A.Allen, Clerknwell House, London, UK.